Marcus Rashford dropped for Barcelona's clash with Getafe as punishment for reporting late to team meeting just days after Champions League heroics vs Newcastle

Marcus Rashford has been dropped for Barcelona's La Liga clash with Getafe after reportedly turning up late to the team's Sunday morning meeting. The Manchester United loanee scored a brilliant brace for the Blaugrana in their 2-1 Champions League win over Newcastle United in midweek but this indiscretion left him having to make do with a substitute role against Getafe.

Rashford's Newcastle heroics forgotten

The 27-year-old's double inspired Barcelona to a Champions League win at Newcastle, but that has seemingly been forgotten as Rashford allegedly fell afoul of manager Hansi Flick's strict time-keeping rules. According to Mundo Deportivo, the England international arrived a 'little late' to this squad meeting, and was then left on the bench for the Getafe encounter.

AdvertisementGettyBarcelona boss won't tolerate Rashford's lateness

This is not the first time Barca boss Flick has punished one of his players for lateness. Jules Kounde, Inaki Pena, and even captain Raphinha has been on the receiving end of the German's wrath, highlighting that no matter how good you are, Flick is in charge.

Point to prove for Rashford

Manchester United academy product Rashford had not set the world alight at Barcelona prior to the Newcastle game, but that superb display showed he can make a difference at the Catalan outfit. Now, he will have to impress Flick yet again, which is a new challenge in and of itself.

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GettyBarcelona chasing Real Madrid in La Liga

After the Getafe game, Flick will continue preparing his side for La Liga commitments. Barcelona are playing catch-up to arch-rivals Real Madrid in the early stages of the new season, and will look to bridge the gap by winning their final two fixtures of the month against Real Oviedo and Real Sociedad.

BC Place Stadium guide: Tickets, how to get there, where to stay, history & everything you need to know about World Cup 2026 venue

If you are planning to visit BC Place Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we've got you covered!

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is on the horizon, with the USA, Mexico, and Canada set to co-host the showpiece event. World champions Argentina will defend their title against 47 other teams in the biggest edition of the tournament to date.

Canada’s BC Place Stadium, home to the BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps, is one of the 12 selected host venues across the three nations. It will stage seven matches during the tournament, including two featuring Canada.

Whether you are a fan planning to attend games at the stadium during the World Cup or simply eager to explore it while visiting British Columbia, this guide is for you. GOAL has all the information you need before visiting this 2026 World Cup venue.

Getty Images EntertainmentBC Place overviewCapacity54,500Year opened1981Tenant(s)BC Lions (CFL), Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)Address777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8, CanadaAdvertisementGetty Images EntertainmentHistory of BC Place

BC Place Stadium opened in 1983, hosting its first ever CFL game as the home of the British Columbia Lions. The venue also played a major role in Expo 86 and was the site of the final NASL season for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

In 2009, the stadium began a two-year renovation project with an estimated cost of 514 million CAD. The air-supported roof was removed and replaced with a new cable-supported roof, which was the largest of its kind at the time.

In 2015, BC Place hosted nine matches of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, including the final, where the USA defeated Japan 5–2, led by a Carli Lloyd hat trick.

Now, just over a decade later, BC Place has been selected as one of the host venues for the men’s World Cup, with a total of seven matches to be played, including knockout rounds. Only time will tell what new history this stadium will create.

Getty Images SportWhich teams play at BC Place

BC Place has been serving as home turf for the British Columbia Lions in the CFL and the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS. 

Team League

BC LionsCFLVancouver WhitecapsMLSENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty Images EntertainmentHow to get to BC Place Stadium

How to get to BC Place by public transport 

BC Place is accessible through several public transit options, including trains and buses. The SkyTrain system has the Stadium–Chinatown station located just two minutes from the venue, while the Canada Line serves the Yaletown–Roundhouse station.

Several bus routes, including 17, 19, and N8, stop within a five-minute walking distance of the stadium.

How to get to BC Place by car

If you are traveling to the stadium by car, you can enter Downtown Vancouver through one of four routes: Granville Bridge, Cambie Bridge, Lions Gate Bridge, or Quebec Street. From there, follow the signs for BC Place and Pacific Boulevard. 

Hampshire sign Lhuan-dre Pretorius for Vitality Blast

Teenage opener agrees first county stint; Migael Pretorius penciled in for Somerset return

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Feb-2025Hampshire have signed 18-year-old South African opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius as one of their overseas players for this year’s Vitality Blast. Pretorius has yet to be capped at senior level by South Africa, but finished as the leading run-scorer at the recently completed SA20.A hard-hitting left-hander who can also keep wicket, Pretorius made his T20 debut last year after impressing for South Africa at the Under-19 World Cup, and currently averages 27.60 with a strike rate of 147.17 in the format.He caught the eye of Hampshire’s coach, Adi Birrell, when scoring 97 off 51 in his first outing for Paarl Royals, against Sunrisers Eastern Cape at this year’s SA20, with Birrell also in charge at SEC.Related

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“It’s a real honour to play for Hampshire Hawks in this year’s Vitality Blast as my first experience of playing cricket in England,” Pretorius said. “The team is full of exciting names whom I look forward to playing alongside and sharing a dressing room with as we look to lift the trophy.”Hampshire, winners of the Blast in 2022, finished seventh in the South Group last season, missing out on the knockouts for the first time in four years.Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, said: “Lhuan-dre impressed with his batting during the recent SA20 and played a number of eye-catching innings against some of the best bowlers in the world. He’s a special talent with a big future, and we are delighted that he is joining us for this year’s Vitality Blast.”Migael Pretorius back at SomersetMigael Pretorius made an impact with bat and ball last season•Getty ImagesSomerset, meanwhile, have confirmed a return for allrounder Migael Pretorius. The 29-year-old made eight County Championship appearances last year, scoring 338 runs to go with 23 wickets. He is expected to be available for the duration of the 2025 season across all three formats.”I really enjoyed my time at Somerset in 2024 and I’m looking forward to joining up with the team again this summer,” Pretorius said. “There’s a really positive atmosphere around the club and I was impressed by the level of support that the players get at every game, both home and away. The team came so close to winning a trophy last year and hopefully I can help Somerset to get over the line in 2025.”Somerset director of cricket, Andy Hurry, added: “Following his time with us during 2024, Migael knows what it means to represent the club and understands what we are aspiring to achieve here.”He has a proven ability to impact games, and he will add further all-round quality as well as depth to our already impressive seam attack. Understanding how demanding the season is for teams competing across all three competitions, we feel that squad depth will be a vital factor for us.”

Breakthrough: Man Utd now reach "total agreement" to sign "excellent" star

With time ticking by on deadline day, Manchester United have reportedly reached a “total agreement” to sign one of their top targets just hours before the transfer window slams shut.

Man Utd's deadline day business

The Red Devils have already had a busy day on the outgoings front in hope of making room for some much-needed fresh faces. At the death, it looks as though both Jadon Sancho and Antony are set to get their moves to both Aston Villa and Real Betis, freeing up space on United’s hefty wage bill as a result.

Antony’s move will come as a particular relief after Betis responded to earlier reports that they had completed a move for the winger, saying: “There is no agreement for Antony and we have withdrawn the offer. We can’t afford the fee and the amounts that Manchester United must instead pay the player before the transfer.”

With two unwanted stars heading for the exit door, those at Old Trafford have also got to work on players that could arrive in the other direction. And the focus has been on finding a new goalkeeper.

The main question has been regarding just who will be arriving to replace Andre Onana. There has been little doubts that the Red Devils would be welcoming a new No.1 after one mistake too many from the former Inter Milan man.

Emiliano Martinez in action for Argentina.

It looked as though it would be Emiliano Martinez who arrives at one stage, as Manchester United shifted their focus towards the Argentine. Alas, after a late twist, United have now reportedly reached a total agreement to welcome an alternative option.

Man Utd reach "total agreement" to sign Lammens

As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester United have now reached a “total agreement” to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp to end a summer-long saga. Agreeing a deal worth €21m (£18m), Ruben Amorim is set to get his upgrade on Onana after United chased Lammens over Aston Villa’s Martinez.

Starts

30

37

Save Percentage

81.4%

69%

Clean Sheets

7

8

Saves

127

96

Only time will tell whether they’ve made the right decision, but the stats certainly make for positive reading. Lammens outperformed Martinez in save percentage, saves and only kept one less clean sheet than the Argentine.

Senne Lammens for Royal Antwerp.

Described as a player with “excellent” variance in his passing by analyst Ben Mattinson, Amorim should finally have a goalkeeper at his disposal capable of building from his backline. And that could make all the difference.

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The 23-year-old’s pending arrival is a major step in the right direction for Manchester United’s goalkeeper department and Amorim’s squad, following investment this summer, must simply now kick on after the international break.

O'Brien replacement: Everton eye deadline day move for "crunching" EFL star

Everton have made some terrific moves in the summer transfer window to bolster David Moyes’ options across the pitch, with the headline-grabber so far being the arrival of Jack Grealish.

The England international has registered an eye-catching haul of four assists in three Premier League outings for the Toffees so far, per Sofascore, with two assists against Wolves and against Brighton.

Kieran Dewsbury-Hall also arrived from Chelsea on a permanent deal and produced a goal and an assist in the 3-2 win over Wolves in the top-flight at the weekend.

Everton eyeing new right-back

The Toffees are now looking at the other end of the pitch for potential reinforcements to improve the back four in front of Jordan Pickford before the deadline passes.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to journalist Alan Myers, Everton have an interest in Norwich City right-back Kellen Fisher ahead of the end of the summer transfer window this evening.

The reporter adds, though, that he is not aware of a formal bid having been placed for the England U21 international, which suggests that there has not been any concrete movement as of yet.

Kellen Fisher in action for Norwich City vs Watford.

Everton’s interest in the 21-year-old talent does seem to show that the club are eyeing a last-minute move to sort their right-back position out.

What Kellen Fisher could bring to Everton

Moyes could have a natural right-back who could take Jake O’Brien out of that position if the club are able to strike a late deal with Norwich for the defender, who was hailed for his “crunching” tackles by reporter Connor Southwell.

Jake O'Brien in action for Everton

Unlike O’Brien, who is a centre-back by trade, Fisher is an out-and-out right-back who has plenty of experience now playing for the Canaries in the Championship, and for England at U20 and U21 level.

In the 3-2 win over Wolves, the current Everton ‘right-back’ lost seven of his nine ground duels and lost possession of the ball a staggering 26 times, per Sofascore, whilst the Canaries gem only lost possession 7.4 times per game on averag last term.

Everton manager DavidMoyesbefore the match

That performance highlighted the need for the Toffees to have a natural full-back in that position to be mobile enough to win duels as well as good enough technically to progress up the pitch and create chances for the team.

Appearances

38

20

Big chances created

4

1

Assists

4

0

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

1.5

Duels won per game

3.9

3.8

Ground duel success rate

53%

53%

Aerial duel success rate

62%

58%

As you can see in the table above, Fisher and O’Brien’s respective statistics at league level last season suggest that the former is far more likely to provide a threat in the final third, by pushing on from right-back to create ‘big chances’ chances for his side.

The Norwich youngster being an athletic, pacey, right-back also means that he is more effective in duels, as illustrated by those statistics, because he is combative and quick across the ground, whilst O’Brien is a natural centre-back who wants to step off instead of potentially having to deal with a foot race.

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Therefore, Fisher has the qualities and the profile to replace O’Brien as the first-choice right-back for Everton if he can adapt to the Premier League, by offering the team more as a strong defender and as a creative threat in the final third.

Kuhnemann undergoes ICC testing, awaits fate on action

The left-arm spinner was tested in Brisbane over the weekend having been reported after the second Test in Sri Lanka

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff19-Feb-2025Matthew Kuhnemann is expected to learn his fate by the end of next week, after being put through intensive tests on his bowling action in Brisbane over the weekend.Just a week after being reported during Australia’s 2-0 Test series win in Sri Lanka, Kuhnemann has now completed tests on his suspect action.Related

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“Matthew has completed the assessment which was performed at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane,” CA said in a statement on Wednesday. “The ICC will make a determination in due course. Neither Cricket Australia nor Matthew will be making any public comment at this time.”The 28-year-old was put through his paces during a session that lasted more than one hour in Brisbane, asked to bowl at a similar speed and with similar revolutions to what he did in Galle.International Cricket Council (ICC) experts watched on, with Kuhnemann wearing markers on his body and being surrounded by several high-speed cameras, and a 3D motion analysis system.The results of those tests will be assessed over the next week, before a determination is made by the ICC on Kuhnemann’s action. If he is found to extend his elbow by more than 15 degrees on his stock ball, Kuhnemann will be banned from bowling until he can prove he has remedied the issue.Otherwise, the spinner will be cleared to continue bowling for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield and be available for Australia’s tour of West Indies in June.The ICC also has the power to determine if a bowler’s action is only problematic on certain types of deliveries. In that case, a player would be able to continue bowling in matches without those variations until cleared.Australia’s players are no stranger to biomechanical testing, with high performance staff often using the same facilities to help streamline or improve the bowling actions of quicks.Kuhnemann’s test came as he was put on ice for Tasmania’s Shield clash with South Australia this week, still battling the thumb injury he suffered in the BBL. He was, however, still able to get through the ICC testing given the injury is on his non-bowling hand.Kuhnemann also played through the pain to be the leading wicket-taker of the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy with 16 wickets at 17.18 in the two Tests in Sri Lanka. It was after the second Test that Kuhnemann was told his action had been reported, for the first time in eight years of professional cricket.Australia’s players have backed Kuhnemann in the bid to have his action cleared, with stand-in captain Steven Smith expecting him to have no issue.”It’s come as a bit of a surprise to me,” Smith, who captained Australia against Sri Lanka, said last Friday. “He has been playing for eight years in professional cricket and nothing has been said in that amount of time.”I am thinking of him, at present, he has to go through the process.  We’re confident he will pass. He will go through that process back home, we wish him all the best.”

Harry Kane's release clause 'not mandatory' as Lothar Matthaus says Bayern Munich must keep 'best striker in the world' as talk of Premier League return rumbles on

Harry Kane’s release clause has sparked rumours of a Premier League return, but Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus insists the striker is “in very good hands” in Munich. The England captain has scored 13 goals in seven games this season and is closing in on his 100th strike for the German giants after a weekend hat-trick.

Release clause rumours swirl but Kane shines on the pitch

Speculation has resurfaced around Kane’s contract at Bayern, with reports suggesting a €65 million (£55m/$71m) release clause could allow him to leave in 2026. Talk of a possible return to England resurfaced again when Tottenham coach Thomas Frank said he would be in favour of bringing him back to north London. For now, though, the English striker is thriving in Bavaria. His hat-trick against Hoffenheim pushed him to 13 goals in just seven appearances this term, keeping him on course for a third consecutive Bundesliga Golden Boot.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMatthaus: Bayern is where Kane belongs

Speaking to and , legendry Bayern midfielder Matthaus dismissed concerns over Kane’s future: “Exit clause or not. It’s not a mandatory clause. He can stay at Bayern.

"Kane is in very good hands in Munich. He feels very comfortable there. He has been Germany's top scorer twice and is on the verge of his third top scorer award. He's winning titles with Bayern, something he didn't do with Tottenham."

The German the concluded: "I don't think he can feel more comfortable anywhere else than at FC Bayern."

Why Bayern can’t afford to lose him

The 32-year-old's form has transformed Die Roten's attack since his arrival in 2023, and Matthaus’ comments underline how vital the England captain has become. Beyond his goalscoring exploits, his link-up play and leadership have made him central to Vincent Kompany’s system. While Premier League clubs may circle in the future, Bayern’s project looks built around Kane as their focal point.

Asked if Kane is the best striker in the world, Matthaus said: "Yes. Especially when you look at the goals: He scores everywhere in every competition. He's not just someone who scores goals, but also provides assists. And what I like about an attacking player: When he contributes to the defence – Harry Kane does that brilliantly."

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Getty Images SportCentury mark within reach for Bayern’s No.9

Kane is just two goals away from reaching 100 for Bayern, a staggering tally in only 103 games. His immediate focus will be on the Bundesliga clash with Werder Bremen, before switching attention to the Champions League trip to Pafos at the end of the month.

South Australia still soaking in 'unreal' Sheffield Shield scenes

Fans crowded into Adelaide’s city centre on Monday, two days after the memorable scenes at Karen Rolton Oval

Andrew McGlashan01-Apr-2025The celebrations for South Australia’s first Sheffield Shield title in 29 years continued on Monday as locals swarmed to Rundle Mall in Adelaide’s city centre for a reception with the team as both coach Ryan Harris and captain Nathan McSweeney admitted the magnitude of what had been achieved was still sinking in.Officially part of the nation-wide schedule announcement for next season, Cricket Australia’s new chief executive Todd Greenberg was quick to say the occasion was more about SA’s historic moment which had been crowned by what has become an iconic ground invasion at Karen Rolton Oval.Related

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“It was unreal,” Harris said. “I remember when we got upstairs and looked over the ground and saw the crowd, I just looked at the boys’ faces and I probably don’t think they thought how important this was and is.”I even talked to them yesterday, they’re all still buzzing about it. Everyone running on, again, [like] scenes from 29 years ago.”McSweeney, watching from the dressing room as his side neared the target after a stand of 202 between Jason Sangha and Alex Carey, could see the crowd getting closer to the fence.”I grew up watching cricket on TV, I always remember the fans running onto the field and all the players trying to run off and it was just cool to be a part of and to see it all happen,” he said. “I think everyone who was there will remember that forever and it was a great spectacle. It’s never happened to me before and we were all wondering, it was like, are we going to run on or are the fans going to run on.

“It was just awesome to be a part of and I think people there at the game will remember that forever. We will remember that forever. We’ve got so many texts from mates that are living in Brisbane saying how cool it was and I wish I could have been there so I think it’s good for the game, it probably shouldn’t happen every week, it’s a little bit dangerous but it’s a very special moment.”McSweeney also acknowledged the fresh opportunity a host of players – including himself – had been given with South Australia. In the immediate aftermath of the victory Sangha, who averaged 78.22 in the season after his move from New South Wales, said the state had “saved his career.””So many players in our squad have been gifted an opportunity by the SACA and to be able to, I guess, give back and win the Sheffield Shield and see how much it mattered to all of them is very pleasing and it’s why you play the game, for sure,” McSweeney said.”I think I was averaging 14 for Queensland when they gave me an opportunity to come down here and play cricket and since then, I’ve been able to get better as a player, as a person.The view from the Karen Rolton Oval grandstand when the Shield trophy was presented•Getty Images”Very lucky and hopefully this is just the start of something that we can keep building on. Winning two trophies is the goal and it’d be nice to do that every year but I really think, if we can keep this core group together, we can do this for a long period of time and I’m very lucky to be a part of it.”Harris, meanwhile, will reflect on the achievements in his first season as head coach on a holiday in Bali next week before turning his attention to how the team follow their twin titles having also secured the One-Day Cup.”To win two is unheard of, it’s never been done here,” he said. “I moved back here to win trophies and I told the boys that when I took over. I told them that last year even. I know Dizzy [Jason Gillespie] was in charge last year, but from afar, moving back from Queensland, I did it for a reason.”I’ve got to make sure the messaging is fresh and get all that happening over the next few weeks ready for when they come back in June. I’ve spoken about it with them. They know hopefully this drives them. Winning’s good. Winning’s nice.”It doesn’t always work out that way, obviously, but that’s my job over the next few months now is to make sure that when they do come back, they’re hungry again to make sure that all the things we’ve just spoken about, that we go out, we fight, we play well, we play hard and we want to have sustained success.”

Carlos Alcaraz decides between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

2025 US Open winner Carlos Alcaraz has weighed in on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate, revealing which football ‘GOAT’ he is inspired by.

Alcaraz wins sixth major title in New York

Alcaraz picked up the sixth major title of his career with a victory in the US Open final against long-time rival Jannik Sinner on Sunday, winning the competition for the second time.

The Spaniard defeated Sinner 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 in the presence of Donald Trump, with the US president’s attendance causing the final to be delayed, before eventually starting in front of thousands of empty seats due to ramped-up security measures outside.

The 22-year-old may have a rivalry with the Italian on the court, but he took the time to praise the runner-up after clinching the victory in New York City.

Away from tennis, the World No.1 is well-known to be an avid supporter of Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants taking the time to congratulate the star on his recent success in the USA.

As such, it is no surprise Alcaraz’s list of the top five footballers of all-time may be considered a little Real Madrid-centric, with Ronaldo making the list, alongside Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Ronaldinho and Neymar, with Messi being omitted entirely.

The tennis star also said: “I love Cristiano Ronaldo. The confidence he has is unbelievable. He always believes in himself. When I hear he is the first player to go to training and the last one to go home, that shows the hard worker he is and that inspires me a lot.”

Ronaldo has one last chance to reignite GOAT debate

In many people’s minds, the GOAT debate was already settled prior to the 2022 World Cup, given that the Inter Miami star eclipses the Portugal legend in terms of Ballon d’Ors, but Argentina’s triumph out in Qatar arguably ended the conversation.

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With the Al-Nassr star now 40-years-old, the 2026 World Cup will almost certainly be his last, meaning he has one final opportunity to lead Portugal to glory, which would perhaps mean there is a debate there to be had once again.

Albeit in Saudi Arabia, the record-breaking 222-time Portugal international is showing few signs of slowing down, despite his age, maintaining a fantastic goal-scoring record throughout the three previous seasons he has spent with Al-Nassr in the Gulf state.

Ronaldo in Saudi

League appearances

Goals

2022-23

16

14

2023-24

31

35

2024-25

30

25

However, given that Messi led Argentina to 2022 World Cup glory, and has three more Ballon d’Ors to his name, it has become much more difficult to make a case for Ronaldo, and Alcaraz’s preference is likely due to the fact he is a Real Madrid supporter.

Premier League manager becomes a linesman! Tactician runs the line at a girls' grassroots game just hours after earning three vital points

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola became a linesman in a girls' grassroots game just hours after guiding the Cherries to a 3-1 win over Fulham on Friday in the Premier League. The Spanish manager has become loved by the locals after spending just two-and-a-half years on the south coast. Bournemouth has also grown in stature since the 43-year-old came on board.

Iraola turned linesman in a girls' grassroots match

Iraola was spotted running the line for the local grassroots girls' side Merley FC on Saturday morning. The Spaniard was performing the linesman duties with a big smile on his face, according to . The Bournemouth boss appeared in the game just a day after his team beat Fulham 3-1 in the Premier League. Antoine Semenyo scored a brace, while Justin Kluivert scored a stunning third goal.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportIraola has become a local favourie

The Sun further claims that Iraola has become loved by the locals on the south coast after spending only two-and-a-half years at the club. His reputation has increased after the Cherries's consistent performances in his first two seasons, where they finished 12th and ninth in the Premier League. 

Kluivert praised Iraola

After scoring a brilliant third goal that sealed his side's three points at Vitality Stadium, Kluivert spoke highly of his manager, as the Dutchman told : "[Iraola] is incredible. If you also see the guys that have left the team, how we are doing at the moment is incredible. I always say that the driver of the bus is the coach, and he is driving us on a crazy route. Amazing driver, so we follow him. We love it and that shows in the table."

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Getty Images SportBournemouth off to a dream start

Despite losing three out of their four first-team defenders, Iraola has guided Bournemouth to strong start in the 2025-26 campaign as they climbed up to the fourth position in the league table after their win over Fulham.

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